South Sudan liaises with Sudan on nationals’ safety amid conflict
April 23, 2025 (JUBA) – South Sudan stated it is in contact with authorities in neighbouring Sudan regarding the situation of its nationals and has provided contact details for coordination amid the ongoing conflict.
The conflict in Sudan has severely affected South Sudanese nationals residing there. Many lack connections in South Sudan, having been born when Sudan was a single country before the 2011 separation, which followed a referendum on self-determination.
Some nationals had previously returned to Sudan during South Sudan’s internal conflicts in 2013 and 2016. Since the current Sudanese conflict began in April 2023, reports suggest some South Sudanese have taken sides, aligning with either the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) or the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced in a statement on Tuesday (April 22, 2025) that it is coordinating with its embassy staff in Port Sudan to ensure the safety of its nationals, including those trapped in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to inform the public that it is following the situation of South Sudanese nationals currently residing in the Republic of Sudan very closely,” the statement, seen by Sudan Tribune, read.
“The Ministry is monitoring the safety and well-being of our citizens in Sudan and remains in close contact with the Sudanese authorities to ensure their protection during this period,” it added.
“We urge all South Sudanese nationals in Sudan to remain calm and maintain close communication with our embassy in Port Sudan by contacting our Charge d’Affaires ad interim, Peter Garchang Tab, at +249 966 003 4768,” the statement urged.
“For any assistance, inquiries, or emergencies, you are also advised to contact the Director of Consular Services, Ambassador Dut Gabriel Madit, at +211 921 664 466 or email us at info@mofaic.gov.ss.”
“The Government of South Sudan is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of its citizens, both at home and abroad,” the statement concluded.
Sudanese authorities have recently begun apprehending South Sudanese nationals in Khartoum without residency permits, prior to their expulsion. Senior Sudanese generals say the RSF use local intermediaries to recruit fighters from South Sudan.
Observers have pointed out that the conflict in Sudan has spilled over into South Sudan, with returnees and refugees adding pressure on local resources and raising security concerns. There are fears that weapons from the conflict could further destabilize South Sudan, which is struggling to implement its 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
That agreement was brokered by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African regional bloc, with Sudan and Uganda serving as guarantors.